Learning to Drive in France

The training scheme for learner drivers in France is known as “Apprentissage Anticipé de la Conduite” (AAC). Driving practice can begin at the age of 16, providing certain criteria are met. Learners have to register with the Préfecture, and then sign up with a registered driving school for an "evaluation of knowledge".

Once successful, the learner has to follow a minimum of 20 hours driving practice with a school before taking the theory test. The Driving School issues a completion certificate, valid for three years to drive accompanied by a person aged at least 28, who held a car licence for at least 3 years without endorsements.

The learner must gain 1000 km driving experience between four and six months after training and have an assessment lesson with a Driving School. A second assessment take place in the two months before the end of the accompanied driving period, by which time the learner must have driven 3,000 kms. The assessment has to be recorded in an apprenticeship booklet which is kept with the insurance documents in the car. Driving outside of France is not permitted and learners are restricted to a speed limit of 110km/h on the Autoroute.

The practical test can only be taken from the age of 18 years. The car must have the "A" (learner driver) sign on the back, ideally a central handbrake and a manual gear box. Learning to drive in an automatic car does not qualify the driver for the full category B licence.

The French driving test lasts about 20 minutes. This is being changed to meet the EU minimum.  Successful candidates are issued with a provisional driver's licence, the pink attestation provisoire or la "feuille rose". This is valid for 2 months and permits the driver to drive anywhere within France.  If a driver wears spectacles or contact lenses, this must be stated on the licence and it is compulsory to wear either of them to drive. If a driver uses contact lenses, then a set of spectacles must be kept available at all times when driving.